Niki Anderson ~ Author & Speaker

"Climb a tree. The view is better from on high."

Perspective makes the difference between a prickly situation and the sweet smell of a rose. Alphonse Karr

wrote, "Some people grumble because roses have thorns. I am thankful that thorns have roses."

This spring, while taking a break and waiting for direction, I've gained perspective from God's vantage point. It's made me think of this story from my first book, What My Cat Has Taught Me About Life.

Sarah's black cat, Bianco, climbs trees to test the grip of his claws, to flee from dogs, and to humor the local fire brigade.Like most perched cats, though inept at getting back down, Biano finds pleasure in the view from on high. The perspective above is different from the perspective below. Big things look smaller.

Cats enjoy heights, much to the chagrin of their owners. Like Sarah. The attaining of heights includes landings on the top of her refrigerator, on the topmost shelf in her home office, and on the uppermost box in her storeroom.

Outdoors cats are found on pinnacles of the roof, fence rails, and other high places like tall trees. Bianco rallied the neighborhood and the fire department one summer when he refused to descend a tall pine. Shy Sarah was embarrassed by the arrival of the big red truck and the commotion of children watching the rescue. The fireman quickly delivered Sarah's cat and placed him in her open arms. Hoping to console Sarah, he shared some insight. "You know, Ma'am, I think I know why your cat likes it up there. The view is great! From the top limb he can see that big old barkin' dog over there is chained up. And I bet you didn't know you've got wildflowers growing behind that seven foot fence."

"No sir, I didn't know," she admitted. Sarah wondered if perhaps Bianco's motive for climbing the pine was not to agitate her. If catching an overhead view of his world helped Bianco cope better on the ground, maybe she needed to do more climbing herself.

When Sarah's landscape now becomes imposing, she thinks of Bianco. If pressures, disappointments, and surprises depict a bleak scene on the horizon, she starts climbing. Prayer, uplifting literature, inspiring music, or friendly counsel are means that help her rise from her ground level perspective. Her outlook changes when she views her circumstances from a higher plane. Solutions are more visible and problems appear smaller. The view is always better from ON HIGH.

"Set your mind on things on that are above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2

Financial constraints? Illness? Kids in rebellion? A testy husband or wife? Frustrations? Summer vacation impossible? If you care to share your limb-side insights, please post.

I really did get a shot in the arm!

Not the sort that infuses a droopy spirit with a boost of inspiration. I’m talkin’ injection, as in a sharp needle filled with RX.

       My physician made three attempts to find the joint that took the cortisone. But my jolting, gasping, and pretending it didn’t hurt was worth it! I sense mild relief in my shoulder.

       So where did I go? To Lenora! In case you’ve forgotten, Lenora is my laptop. She and I are committed to a summer break but my doc said to go home and test my numbed shoulder with a lengthy key tapping session on Lenora. So here I am!

       I detest reports about physical ailments (if they’re my afflictions), but people are asking. So here's the latest.

Two x-rays and two MRIs show a narrowing between two cervical vertebrae plus a small disc bulge and two bone spurs. Mild arthritis and a bone spur also in the shoulder are the likely irritants causing the pain. Possible treatments include removal of the joint. No decision yet.

        For a woman with liver spots and gray hair, all in all, my skeleton and soft tissue appear to be in good shape! Go figure. Don’t you hate it when you’re suffering like crazy and the doctor can’t find much wrong? Who wants to be sick? Not me. I just want to be fixed.

       Said doctor is determined to get me back in the author saddle, so I’m cooperating with the medical process and the exercise of patience. 

       Perhaps it’s no accident that suffering is one of the themes in the Bible study I just completed. I memorized this verse for obvious reasons.

“And the God of all grace who has called you to his eternal glory, after you have suffered a while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”  I Peter 5:10

 How's that for a shot in the arm! 

       Thanks for helping me name my wireless Lexmark printer. Lexi is now on duty, though sometimes she's reluctant to communicate with Lenora; (wire-less is sometimes less). Failure to print is not appropriate character for a printer, especially one with a name like Lexi! I've pondered their conflict and considered this possibility. Lenora is only an HP, and Lexi is a Lexmark; do you suppose Lexi is exhibiting a bit of electronic elitism?

       Votes are coming in on the drawings I posted in the last blog. The two images are running almost head to head but drawing number one of the dancing cat holds a small lead. Oh! One reader suggested "with" instead of "from" for the tagline. Which one of these do you prefer?

Lifestyle balance from a God-centered purr-spective

OR

Lifestyle balance with God-centered purr-spective

       There you have it. Keep the votes coming, and enjoy the sunshine of June. And guess what? Someone named Niki prays for you often.

Long ago expired computer, the Apple PC on which I wrote my first two cat books in 1995 and 1996.

Long ago kitten Myles, now 14!

Designing a logo that communicates a passion for balance with the love of cats wasn't hard for a young illustrator friend, Melissa McConnell.

       In the animal kingdom, cats are the kings and queens of balance. Who walks a fenceline with greater ease than a cat? Who always lands on its feet in a fall? Who but the cat? The topic of lifestyle balance and the image of a cat are a likely pair.

       I asked Melissa McConnell to draw a couple cat pictures that merge the message of lifestyle balance with the cat's ability and ease at balancing. I love her perceptions. View the samples below.

       You're invited to vote on which one best portrays the concept of balance. If you care to weigh in, use the comment box.

 I love the spirit of joy in this one above. How about you?

I like the proportions of this image and the cat's grace. 

Thanks, Melissa! 

Which drawing do you prefer and why?

Use the comment box.

 If you noticed my blog title, you’re probably making guesses about “my big break.” Sorry, but my latest book of cat tales isn’t scheduled for reenactments on Animal Planet. And no, a garden angel didn’t knock on my door with a free landscape package, a shovel and a smile. Yours truly, not a worthy stand-in for an angel, is the one around here who’s setting the tulips and pulling the weeds.

My big break is a forced hiatus from the computer—a Sabbath from composing, email, Facebook, and Googling.

Months of inflammation in my right shoulder led to an MRI, weeks of physical therapy, and other recommendations like my new ergonomic desk. In attempts to relieve the afflicted arm, I’ve become adept at using the mouse with the opposite hand. Stretching, pacing and other advice I’ve heeded didn’t eliminate the problem over the past year. A stretch of abstinence from the keyboard is mandatory. Please forgive my delayed explanation.

In obedience to medical orders, I’ve spent little time with Lenora. For those who don’t name their computers, Lenora is my laptop. We’re seeing less of each other. For now, I’ll follow through with treatment prescribed by the orthopedic doc who discovered the bone spur causing my relentless pain.

In the few and sure words of General MacArthur, “I will return.” Besides, by the time I’m back, I’ll have lots to say! For now, as healing allows, I’ll pull some stories from my garden or cat books and post them on my blog including a couple favorites on the topic of balance.

Though a pleasant reprieve from pain, breaking from daily writing is hard for me. Does my temporary leave sound a bit like balance? Gotta do what I preach.

In lieu of writing, Millicent and I have stirred up some yummy desserts: a coconut cake with frothy frosting for visiting relatives, and a British trifle for the ethnic dinner I host monthly for my son and daughter-in-law. (Oh! My mixer is named Miss Millicent and my Honda is Heather.)

With all Millicent’s spinning and whirring, she works harder than I on these culinary creations but I assist by setting her speed button and timing her efforts. Since both my office and kitchen are rooms where I cook up things, it’s great to have assistants like Lenora and Millicent.

My husband Bob has an assistant, also; a grumpy one. He recently purchased a GPS to plan his routes for transporting veterans to their appointments at the Vets Hospital. Yesterday, while simultaneously walking and entering an address for a route, a sudden reprimand sounded from the device. “Do NOT program while driving!” On the spot, I christened the global positioning system. Gabby has joined the family.

I have a wireless printer on order. Any suggestions for a name? Help me out. It’s a Lexmark.

Please stay in touch. I’ll post occasionally on Facebook and read email but won’t respond unless necessary. I welcome comments on my blog, both at the website and by email. I won’t forget you. Lenora sends her greetings. 

You're invited to my speaking engagements:

Friday, May 21 at The Academy, 1216 N. Superior (near Gonzaga University), Spokane, WA, 2:30 pm

Tuesday, June 8 at Southside Senior Center,

3151 E. 27th Ave., Spokane, WA, Noon (luncheon)

Wed., June 16 at Evergreen Fountains, 1201 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane, WA, 3:00 pm

Friday, June 18 at Royal Plaza, 302 E. Wedgewood, Spokane, WA, 10:00 a.m.

 

Whiskers, Wit, and Wisdom signed copies

on sale this month for $12.99+ship/hand or free delivery in Spokane.

Among my best memories are the friendships and opportunities gained by participation in organizations. It’s the expectations that give me pause. But there’s an app for that.

This series of blogs on balance has spoken to the problems of over-commitment. Today’s post answers the fourth in a list of justifications we offer for doing too much. Like previous excuses, the common reply to the question, "Why are you doing so much?" begins with “but.” Today’s re-BUT-tal sounds like this. “BUT my organizations expect participation!”

Organizations are a blessing and a bane. They multiply the power of one by the might of many—a blessing. They expect participation from their constituents—a bane, unless you keep your balance. But there’s an app for balance, and you won’t need a smartphone or a software program. You can stay happily involved in your organization instead of unhappily worn-out.

Organizations promote a cause or unite people who share a common interest. You love the cause, you need the network, so you connect. Suddenly you’re conscripted for projects, fundraisers, and supporting committees. More than you expected, your membership requires excessive commitment in a single arena—the org. Yet you commit, and then rebut, “BUT my organization expects its members to volunteer!”

Before you sign-up and pay your dues, let’s take a look at APP-lying balance to serving in your clubs and associations. Weigh these eight guidelines to make the most (or the least) of your memberships.

• Do you have the spare time? When considering all that an organization will offer, weigh it against the factor of time you’ll need to contribute what you'll give in return.
• If you join, uphold the core goals of the org or don’t be installed—which implies, some level of participation. Should we be surprised if the supper club expects us to bring supper?
• Choose projects within the organization that appeal to you. Voice your areas of interest. Enthusiasm for the way you’ll serve will inevitable inspire you to carve out time. (I always make it clear that I’ll wash windows before I’ll make phone calls.)
• Practice pronouncing the responsible word “no.” Review your schedule before you raise your hand. After thoughtful consideration, you can always say “yes” before the enlistment time ends. 
• If illness or other life changes affect your availability, formally move your status to inactive. You’ll be stating in a professional manner that you love the group, support its mission, but must remain inactive for a stretch of time.
• Try out a group for a year if you’re unsure, but promise yourself you’ll make the break if it simply clutters your life or diverts you from your primary callings. Some memberships are beneficial only for a season. Joining is not a marriage, so refuse the false guilt of severing, or of switching to a different group.
• Don’t pickup the slack—habitually. God came to our rescue. We too should do so occasionally by volunteering when there’s a shortfall of helpers. But if the club’s ambitions constantly exceed its capacity to fulfill the activities it proposes, the burden of over-commitment will fall on a everyone.
• Recognize your need to withdraw from a membership. I once quit a hobby group when the leaders turned to current political candidates and non-hobbyists for monthly speakers. I chose instead to stay home and…yes, do my hobby.

Previous blogs confronted three other defenses we raise for over-commitment. Click the title from the list in the left margin under "Recent Blog Entries."

1) Heavy Load: “BUT I’ve already cut out a lot of things.”

2) The Sound of Hoofbeats: “I do only what’s necessary, BUT I’m still overrun!”

3) Copycats: “BUT I ought to be able to do as much as others do.”

Home Page: New quote from a very famous cat known by his hat

About Cats Page: Warning re: garden mulch!

MEOW-cellaneous Page: Your cats pictured; send me a pdf with your kitty's name, and I'll post your fetching feline on my website.

Books I'm Reading: Too Small to Ignore by Wess Stafford! Read review.